Lydd’s Bradley Ray is relishing a new start in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship as he joins the Synetiq BMW team.

After a tough 2019 season for Ray who excelled in his debut season in the series, he is confident he will be back challenging for race wins when the season gets underway.

Speaking to Kent Sports News about a disappointing season, Ray said: “The 2019 season was extremely difficult for myself and the Buildbase Suzuki team, there was just something that wasn’t clicking and it definitely wasn’t down to a lack of hard work and dedication!

“We worked hard every round to find that ‘sweet spot’ and some rounds we found it like the double podium at Oulton and a few other rounds where we showed potential but we just couldn’t find that consistent setting.”

This was in stark contrast to the 2018 season when Ray burst onto the scene and was hoping that would continue last season.

He added: “2018 season we started extremely strong but then had a dip in the middle of the season but by the end of it we were back up fighting and made it into the showdown.

“For me I think in 2019 we were maybe a little less consistent round to round and with the new Ducati’s coming in it proved that we needed another step, in 2018 we could fight more but we just didn’t make that next step in 2019. But it wasn’t just us in this position a lot of manufacturers were the same.”

With 2020 comes a new challenge for Ray as he moves across to Synetiq BMW and revealed that he is managed by two people that every BSB fan knows the name of.

“For the 2020 season I have moved over to the Synetiq BMW team and I’m super excited, the move came about after Oulton Park. Three quarters way through the 2019 season I went under new management with Shane Byrne and Matt Roberts and they both worked extremely hard to get the deal in place for me to make the step to BMW in 2020. 

“It’s incredible, we started our journey together just before Oulton Park and just after that both Matt and Shakey got me the opportunity with the BMW squad! Both have been around racing a long time and know the ins and outs of it and both have good contacts and lots of experience.

“It’s good to have Shane on my side in the garage and out spotting to give me some advice! It’s not just what they do at the track it’s what goes on behind closed doors as well! I’m super blessed to have them on-board.

“I had my first run out on the superbike in Ireland just before the lockdown and I was very impressed with the bike and the whole package. I felt naturally comfortable on the bike straight away and got on with the whole team.

“I’m super excited to race the BMW in 2020, it showed very good potential in the first year of BSB and WSBK so with a year under its belt and new parts arriving it can only get better.”

With lockdown now in full swing and no racing possible in 2020 as yet, Ray revealed that he is just trying to keep himself as fit as possible. 

He said: “I’m going absolutely crazy in lockdown ha ha…I’m just trying to keep myself as fit as possible and in shape for when we get the go ahead to start racing! I’m doing a lot of cycling and I’m trying to improve my weak areas so I know that when I start racing again I’m going to be in good shape! Mentally I’m feeling the best I’ve felt in a long time, I’m feeling comfortable and confident in myself and the team and I’m happy.”

Finally we asked Brad if he has set himself any targets for the 2020 season and what he is looking to achieve.

He added: “I always set myself targets throughout the year and I know what I’m capable of doing. I’m feeling good, the bikes good, and the teams good so there is no reason why we can’t be winning races and fighting for that top three at the end of the year.”

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